Chapter 12
The meeting went until lunch. Just before it concluded, the schedule was negotiated: the next three days would be individual meetings with each potential buyer. Then, there was to be a lavish soirée with Chicago’s most influential businesses preceding the final round of negotiations, to celebrate the launch of Blackwood Energies. Quite intensive, but apart from the ball, every day ended at four.
When everybody got on their feet and started shaking hands, it was almost two. With a kink in her neck and a numb bum, Zoe was glad to be on her feet, even if with those heels she would regret it sooner than later.
The men around the table wished her good day as they left, Archer was talking with Udi as he led the way. Sam looked at her one more time before following him.
As she expected, Finch stayed back. “Miss Somersby isn’t it? We haven’t been introduced properly yet. My name is Jamieson Finch.”
It would have been stupid to feign ignorance. The man was well known and a public figure. “Again, gallantry. I know your name from politics.”
“Oh, I’ve decided to return to business, my first passion.”
“And from the rumors, a very wealthy man. No wonder you are sought as an advisor. Mr. Vasiliev is lucky to have you in his corner.”
The smile on his face was lethal, and so similar to his sons. But it lacked the joyfulness of Kai’s and the breathtaking effect of Archer’s.
“I like your boxing imagery. A negotiation is exactly like that you know.”
Zoe nodded. “I agree. And I admire people who can understand and work magic with numbers. It’s not my forte.”
“I suspect you’re underestimating yourself, Miss Somersby. I doubt Mr. Blackwood would hire anybody less than perfect.”
Zoe hesitated between acting stupid or giving him a glimpse of her brain. She opted for the latter... watered down, of course.
“Now, now, Mr. Finch. I can very well tell the difference between a sincere compliment and blatant flattery.”
He offered her a contrite look. “Sorry if I’ve offended you, but I’m a great judge of character. Let me prove it to you. What about dinner? It’s been ages since I’ve visited Chicago, and I know a nice little pizzeria and would very much like to invite you.”
And there was her opportunity. She glanced at the door, as if hesitating because of Archer.
On cue, Finch touched her elbow. “I know it could appear as a conflict, but let me assure you, I won’t try in any way to get information from you. I’m interested in you, not the company or the sale.”
Keeping things light, she winked. “I think you got me at pizzeria.”
The dazzling smile was back. “A woman after my own heart. Where can I pick you up?”
Crazy but careful, she twisted things by telling him that she didn’t know where she would be by late afternoon and preferred to meet him at the restaurant.
Without any hesitation, Finch gave her the place and time.
He escorted her toward the elevators. As they turned the corner, he put a hand in the small of her back and Zoe had to fight hard to maintain contact when her body screamed at her to get away from him.
Lance was standing by the elevator, near Archer who was talking with Vasiliev. All the others must have already been on their way down.
Vasiliev shook Archer’s hand and smiled at her as the elevator doors opened. Finch shook Archer’s hand and both men stepped in and disappeared.
At first, Zoe thought she would get a dressing down, but Lance quickly pulled him aside, probably updating him on the fire.
Ellen was on the phone when she got back to her own office. As she sat and checked her workload, Zoe was pleased to see that it was way under control. In fact, she was up to date. The next task would be to work as an interpreter, and she was glad about it. Working behind a screen all day long wasn’t fun. Back on her feet, she checked the city below, stretching. Her body felt restless, and being stuck here, in a place full of tension didn’t help.
There were a few hours before her date with Finch, and she needed to freshen up, probably change clothes. Scribbling a quick note, Zoe took her things and dropped the note onto Ellen’s desk who smiled and carried on with her call.
Zoe didn’t see anybody on her way out, and it was probably for the best. She didn’t feel like herself; stress, anticipation, and even fear mix inside her and there was nobody she could talk to about it. Gabrielle and the troops would probably lock her up. She flashed her badge at two security guards before finally being able to step outside.
The sun was shining, and it gave her an extra bounce in her step. The energy of the city shook off some of her uneasiness. Unfortunately, peace never lasted for long, and her cellphone buzzed. A relieved sigh escaped when she saw Gabrielle’s number. “Yep?” “Hey! Just to give you a heads up. Are you outside?”
“Yep.”
